Chapter 4b and 5 -- Evident Hope

In chapter 4, verses 13-18, Paul encourages them about believers who have already died. He wants them to not lose heart when their loved ones die. In so doing, he gives some of the clearest teaching in the Bible about the “snatching” – the Rapture of the church when Jesus comes for His bride. Then in chapter 5, verses 1-11, he encourages them about Christ’s subsequent return to the earth in judgment on the nations and all who have rejected Him and warred against Him and His church. He then closes in verses 13-28 with some final pastoral instructions for the church.